Blog | Black Opal Direct

Blue Opal

February 25, 2022November 13, 2012

Blue Opal is a common term that refers to the dominant opal color, not the body color (i.e. black, semi-black, white), as is thought by … Read more

How to spot a fake black opal

May 20, 2021November 13, 2012

In this video, we show you how to spot a fake black opal. Unfortunately, much of the opal being misrepresented as Lightning Ridge black opal … Read more

We are thinking of you

February 24, 2022November 2, 2012

This week has been tough for many of our customers as they deal with Hurricane Sandy and the aftermath. We are thinking of you all … Read more

The difference between rough nobby opal and seam opal from Lightning Ridge

November 23, 2023October 10, 2012

There are two types of rough opal found in Lightning Ridge; nobby opal and seam opal. What are they? And how can you spot them? … Read more

Harlequin Opal: The Rarest Black Opal Pattern of them All

November 23, 2023October 10, 2012

Nowadays, we refer to lots of different types of harlequin pattern in opal. It has become a bit of a catchall phrase for great blocks … Read more

Caitlin Mociun: Opal Jewelry Spotlight

September 22, 2021October 10, 2012

A few months ago we rushed an opal to New York for a special commission. Here are the results and what a beautiful piece of … Read more

Opal Carving: How to use a dremel tool

August 31, 2022September 19, 2012

In this video, Justin introduces his father, Jurgen, who has been carving opal for over 50 years. Jurgen really is a master and is passionate … Read more

Designing Opal Jewelry

June 24, 2021August 21, 2012

When I started designing jewelry a decade ago, I looked around me and got my inspiration from nature. Organic shapes reminiscent of water have always … Read more

116 years of opal history

May 20, 2021August 7, 2012

When talking about our history in the opal business, talk invariably goes to another family with an even longer opal association. E. Gregory Sherman was … Read more